It’s difficult to find unity when Joe Biden not only built his campaign on divisive rhetoric, but also encouraged Republican governors and leaders to “get out of the way” if they refused to cooperate with the Democrats’ draconian policies. However, that’s exactly what Joe Biden is now looking to accomplish, according to his latest phone call with U.S. governors on Monday.
During the call, Joe Biden startled many when he finally admitted he agreed with GOP governors by saying there is not a “one-size-fits-all” solution to mitigate the spread of Covid-19, especially as Omicron rapidly spreads despite high vaccination rates.
“There is no federal solution. This gets solved at a state level,” Biden revealed.
Biden reportedly revealed this key detail after Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, chair of the National Governor’s Association, told Biden to be careful not to step on states’ toes in regards to Covid-19 mitigation policies.
Fox News originally reported Hutchinson told Biden “as you look towards federal solutions that will help alleviate the challenge, make sure that we do not let federal solutions stand in the way of state solutions.”
In response, Biden praised the Arkansas governor as well as New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu.
Critics on social media were quick to point out the hypocrisy behind Biden’s words, comparing them to his empty campaign promises to eradicate the virus with his “plan.” Instead of rolling out any real plan, Biden has spend much of the year blaming President Trump and other Republican leaders for the unfortunate spread of the coronavirus.
Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., called his failure to contain the virus “incompetence.” He added Biden “should rescind his unconstitutional federal mandates.”
Critics also highlighted the fact that Biden promised last year he would “shut down the virus” himself, alluding to the federal powers that would be bestowed upon him upon election. Now, it appears he is backpedaling on his campaign promises, while praising Democrat leaders that seek to “shut down” businesses and place restrictions on the unvaccinated.
It appears that even Biden recognizes there are multiple factors playing a role, that perhaps could have been avoided, had the whole situation not been politicized from the beginning.
“This is not like March of 2020, the beginning of the pandemic. We’re prepared and we know what it takes to save lives, protect people and keep schools and businesses open,” Biden added during the call. “My message to the governors is simple. If you need something, say something.”
This statement is in stark contrast to what he told Republicans last October. Biden said, “If you don’t want to help save the country, get out of the way.”
Covid-19 numbers are currently higher now under Biden than they were last year when President Donald Trump was in power. It seems that despite federal vaccination mandates, among other more restrictive measures undertaken by the Biden administration, the virus is under less control now than it was a year ago when vaccinations were not yet available.